What a difference one good pitcher can make.
On the verge of folding this offseason, the Midland Explorers’ fastpitch softball team got a shot in the arm with the return of pitcher Grant Patterson. On top of that, the team is now in negotiations to bring the International Softball Congress World Tournament back to Midland in 2012.
The Explorers, who were formed in 1987, considered folding after Beane’s father, Clint Beane, stepped down this offseason after nine years as the manager. But Patterson’s return helped convince them to make a go of it, and assistant coach Gregg Sauve stepped into the role of manager.
“Without pitching, you don’t have the opportunity to win,” said Sauve. “After Clint announced his retirement, along with funding concerns, it was iffy whether there would be a team. But with Grant coming on board, the pieces started to fall into place. He solidified everything.”
Patterson, who previously pitched for the Explorers, was a 2007 ASA First Team All-American and a member of the 2009 ISC World Championship team for the Kitchener (Ont.) Rivershark Twins, a team that folded in the offseason. Click here for the complete story at the Midland Daily News.
Kyle Beane adds:
The Explorers will be hosting a Roast Beef Dinner at the Berryhill American Legion in Midland on Saturday evening, May 21st. The Legion does a great job with a nice meal for an affordable price – more details to follow and we’ll also have some news in the Midland paper as time draws near.